The president mentioned he was optimistic about the way forward for commerce with Tokyo simply earlier than signing an settlement on uncommon earth minerals.
President Donald Trump and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday signed a framework settlement for securing the availability of important minerals and uncommon earths by means of mining and processing, the White Home mentioned.
The settlement got here after Trump’s assembly with Japan’s first feminine chief, as a part of his wider journey to Asia. Each Washington and Tokyo need to strengthen their provide chains for uncommon earth components, that are used in all places, from renewable vitality to electronics and vehicles.
In response to the White Home, Japan and the U.S. plan to coordinate funding and coverage efforts to develop extra diversified and clear markets for important minerals and uncommon earth components.
Inside six months, Washington and Tokyo plan to determine and fund new mining and processing initiatives for key supplies like magnets and batteries. The settlement additionally creates a joint “Speedy Response Group” to identify and provide vulnerabilities and coordinate emergency deliveries of important supplies.
TRUMP THREATENS ‘MASSIVE’ CHINA TARIFFS, SEES ‘NO REASON’ TO MEET WITH XI
US President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, throughout a signing ceremony for a doc on the implementation of the US Japan commerce deal at Akasaka Palace state visitor home in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Ota/Pool through REUTERS / Reuters)
Underneath the settlement, Japan and the U.S. will streamline and expedite allowing processes for important minerals and uncommon earths.
The settlement additionally commits each international locations to deal with overseas commerce distortions and unfair market practices.
The White Home mentioned Washington and Tokyo would discover a joint stockpiling association and work with different companions to strengthen provide chain safety.
Each governments mentioned they’ll coordinate with “like-minded companions,” language seen as a nod to Australia and the European Union, as they attempt to construct a market various to China’s near-monopoly over uncommon earth processing.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attend a bilateral assembly at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters)
China presently dominates the worldwide uncommon earths market, processing greater than 90% of those supplies. Beijing not too long ago ratcheted up export curbs, together with new components on its management checklist and tightened oversight of overseas producers that depend on China’s supplies.
Throughout Tuesday’s assembly with Trump, Japan’s new prime minister referred to as for a “new golden age” within the U.S.-Japan alliance and introduced Japan will present 250 cherry bushes to Washington subsequent yr to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
US President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, throughout a signing ceremony for a doc on the implementation of the US Japan commerce deal at Akasaka Palace state visitor home in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Ota/Pool through REUTERS / Reuters)
The U.S., in the meantime, has just one operational uncommon earth mine and is racing to safe very important minerals for electrical automobiles, protection techniques and superior manufacturing.
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As a part of his Asia journey, Trump is scheduled to satisfy with Chinese language President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
